week 8 - Māori, Pacific People & Psychometrics

core theme

nature vs nurture

nature =

genes, biology, DNA

nurture =

environment, upbringing, culture

nurture explains:

IQ differences include socioeconomic factors and lack of validity of IQ tests across culture/subcultures

William Shockley

Nobel-prize physicist; became controversial for racist claims about race and IQ and sterilisation ideas

Skinner

nurture/behaviourism

Plomin

nature/genetics

Epigenetics:

bridges nature and nurture:

• gene expression changes without changing DNA sequence

• mechanisms include DNA methylation/histone modification

• early environment can leave biological “memory”

• “genes are not destiny.”

Rakau studies

historical NZ/ cross-cultural assessment example

Rakau studies

linked to Rorschach ink blot test and factor-analysed Rorschach responses

Rakau studies

factors included: imaginative thinking, mature spontaneity, introversion, insecurity, affective extraversion

Māori psychometrics: MMM-ICE

= multidimensional model of māori identity and cultural engagement

Māori psychometrics: 6 factors

1. group membership evaluation

2. interdependent self-concept

3. spirituality

4. cultural efficacy/active identity engagement

5. socio-political consciousness

6. authenticity beliefs.

MMM-ICE2

added perceived appearance

MMM-ICE3

added whānau efficacy, making it 8 total factors

Pacific psychometrics: fonofale model

pacific health model

pacific psychometrics: PIWBS

pacific identity and wellbeing scale